Print/picture frame

ABSTRACT

A frame for mounting a print or picture on a vertical surface includes a transparent sheet of plastic. In one form, opposing side tabs extend from the sheet so as to lie generally parallel with a rear surface of the sheet to form slots configured to receive and retain the print. An end tab may be directed inwardly so as to form another slot for vertical and horizontal hanging. In another form, blocks are attached to the rear surface of the sheet of plastic at upper and lower edges thereof, and a second sheet of plastic is attached to the blocks so as to form a slot between the first and second sheets for retaining the print. In another form, the sheet has tabs extending rearwardly with blocks attached to each of the tabs so as to form a slot between the sheet and the blocks for retaining the print.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from provisional applicationSer. No. 60/227,756 filed Aug. 24, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is concerned with print or picture frames.More particularly, the present invention is concerned with aprint/picture frame constructed entirely of transparent plastic to formthe print/picture frame.

[0003] Many picture frames in use are created by joining four pieces ofsub-frame at joints which are then glued. Yet other frames are formed byextruding plastic or forming metal to create the frame. Some of thesemethods can be quite expensive. Nearly all of these frames create anopen face through which the print or picture is viewed. Typically, glassis inserted within the frame and in front of the print to protect theprint. This can be problematic, however, as the glass can slip out ofthe picture frame and break during placement of the print within theframe. As well as presenting a safety hazard, the glass must be foundand purchased in the appropriate size. Many prints or pictures are UVsensitive and the glass may not provide the UV screening protectionnecessary to protect the picture or print.

[0004] Also, mounting prints and pictures within a frame often requiresthe assistance of trained professionals. This is due to the need fortools, the complexity of positioning the glass, prints and eithertacking the print to the frame or clipping the print or a rear cover tothe frame to prevent the print from becoming dislodged from the frameduring use. Aside from the possibility of breaking the glass, the personinstalling the print may be pricked by the tacks used in securing theprint to the frame. To change the print or picture within the framerequires the reversal and repetition of these steps. The process offraming the print can be burdensome and expensive.

[0005] Large prints or pictures necessarily require larger pictureframes which can be quite expensive. Also, at times the picture frameitself can be of a color or ornamentation that it draws attention away,or otherwise detracts, from the print or picture. A great deal of timecan be spent matching a picture frame with either the print or pictureor the location that the frame is to be hung.

[0006] Frames which are placed on a horizontal surface are relativelyeasy to place in a stable manner due to the addition of a rear leg whichserves as an easel, joining various picture frames to one another in anaccord in an fashion, etc. However, hanging the picture frame from avertical surface can be problematic. Some picture frames are onlyintended to be hung either horizontally or vertically. Others requirethe purchase and installation of fasteners, clips or the like to hangthe picture frame in the other orientation. Also, picture frames may notbe able to be hung directly on either a glass or marble surface, insteadoften hung from wires extending from the ceiling.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for a print/picture frame which isrelatively inexpensive and easy to use. Such a picture frame should becapable of being manufactured in various sizes to frame large prints andpictures without a burdensome expense. Such a picture frame should alsobe capable of being mounted either horizontally or vertically and onvarious surfaces, including marble or glass. Further, such a pictureframe would be shatter resistant and provide UV protection to the printor picture therewithin. The present invention fulfills these needs andprovides other related advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention resides in a print/picture frame comprisedof transparent plastic which is impact and shatter resistant. The frameis versatile and can be used in many applications, including marble,glass, mirrored or other similar surfaces. The frame does not distractthe eye of the viewer from the printer/picture as the frame is nearlyinvisible and thus can be used in houses, businesses, warehouses, etc.

[0009] In a first embodiment, the frame is comprised of a singlequadrilateral and transparent sheet of plastic. Opposing side tabsextend from a flat body of the sheet of plastic and are directedinwardly so as to lie generally parallel with the flat body opposite arear surface thereof. Cooperatively with the flat body, the side tabsform slots which are configured to receive and retain a print or pictureinserted therein through an open end of the frame. In a particularlypreferred embodiment, an end tab extends from the flat body and isdirected inwardly in a similar manner as the side tabs so as to form aslot which, in conjunction with the side tab slots, receives and retainsthe print or picture. Means for retaining the frame on the verticalsurface are provided and can include key holes cut into the tabs forreceipt of posts or screws extending from the vertical surface, suctioncups attached to the frame for direct attachment to glass or marble orthe like, or screws extending through the frame and into the verticalsurface.

[0010] In another embodiment, the transparent sheet of plastic has tabsextending from opposite edges of the plastic sheet and bent inward sothat the tabs lie generally transverse to the plastic sheet. Upper andlower elongated blocks extend downwardly from each of the tabs so as toform a slot between the plastic sheet and the blocks. The slot isconfigured to accept or retain a print or sheet of artwork therein. Anotch may be formed in the upper block for receipt of a wire extendingfrom the vertical surface, or ceiling. Alternatively, a block isattached to the vertical surface on which the frame is to be hung and isconfigured to hold the upper block of the frame thereon. Of course, theframe can include screws extending through apertures of the plasticsheet and block into the vertical surface, suction cups, or key holes asdescribed above.

[0011] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, upper andlower elongated blocks are attached to a rear surface of the sheet ofplastic at upper and lower edges thereof. A second quadrilateral andtransparent sheet of plastic is attached to the upper and lowerelongated blocks so as to form a slot between the first and secondplastic sheets. This slot is configured to accept and retain a print orsheet of artwork therein. Means for hanging the frame on a verticalsurface are provided, as described above.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following more detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way ofexample, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In suchdrawings:

[0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame embodying the presentinvention having an insert, shown in phantom, held thereby;

[0015]FIG. 2 is a fragmented cross-sectional view taken generally along2-2 of FIG. 1, illustrating a slot formed by a side tab which receivesand retains the insert;

[0016]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of another frame embodyingthe present invention, illustrating opposing side tabs and an end tabforming slots for receiving the insert, and key holes and suction cupsfor mounting the frame on a vertical surface;

[0017]FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of another frame embodying thepresent invention and having an insert, illustrated in phantom, retainedthereby;

[0018]FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the frame of FIG. 4, with theinsert exploded therefrom;

[0019]FIG. 6 is cross-sectional view taken generally along line 6-6 ofFIG. 4, illustrating a notch used to hang the frame on a wire or thelike;

[0020]FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of another frame embodying thepresent invention, having an insert, illustrated in phantom, retainedtherein;

[0021]FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the frame of FIG. 7, with theinsert exploded therefrom;

[0022]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 9-9 ofFIG. 7, illustrating the frame being hung from a block attached to avertical wall;

[0023]FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of yet another frame embodyingthe present invention, and having an insert, illustrated in phantom,retained therein;

[0024]FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the frame of FIG. 10, withthe insert exploded therefrom; and

[0025]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line12-12, illustrating opposing plastic sheets separated by an elongatedblock to form a slot therebetween.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] As shown in the drawings for purposes of illustration, thepresent invention is concerned with a print/picture frame generallyillustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and referred to by the reference number 10, inFIG. 3 by the reference number 12, in FIGS. 4-6 by the reference number14, in FIGS. 7-9 by the reference number 16, and in FIGS. 10-12 by thereference number 18. In each of the illustrated embodiments of the frame10-18, functionally equivalent components and structure are given thesame reference number.

[0027] With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first frame 10 embodyingthe present invention is illustrated. The frame 10 is comprised of asingle sheet of transparent plastic, such as plexiglass or acrylic orany other suitable kind of plastic, which is sufficiently durable,impact and shatter resistant and relatively light weight. The singlesheet of plastic includes a flat body 20 having opposing side tabs 22and 24 extending from the flat body 20 and directed rearwardly andinwardly so as to lie generally parallel with a rear surface of the flatbody 20 so as to form slots 26 and 28. Typically, a single sheet ofplastic is provided which is either longer or wider than necessary tohold the insert 30, in the form of a print, picture, sheet of artwork orthe like. The opposing edges are bent, such as by heat, in order tocreate a fold in the plastic sheet in order to form the tabs 22 and 24and slots 26 and 28.

[0028] The slots 26 and 28 are just wide enough so as to support therelatively thin insert 30. Such inserts can include photographs,certificates, water color drawings, prints, paintings, posters, originalartwork on paper, magazine cover pages, or any other such artwork or thelike which intended to be hung on a vertical surface. In the event thatthe insert 30 is fairly flimsy, a chip board or other supporting backingmay also be inserted into the aligned slots 26 and 28 in order to holdthe print or picture therein. Such supporting sheet can also serve toprotect the rear surface of the print or artwork from any scratches ordamage. A notch 32 can be formed in one of the open edges of the frame10 to facilitate removal of the inserted print or picture from the frame10.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 3, a rear view of another frame 12embodying the present invention, which is similar to the frameillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, is shown. In addition to the elongatedside tabs 22 and 24 forming slots 26 and 28, this embodiment includes anend tab 34 extending from the flat body 20 in a similar manner as theside tabs 22 and 24 to create a slot between the end tab 34 and rearsurface of the flat body sheet of plastic 20. This particular frame 12allows the display or artwork or the like in either the horizontal orvertical direction as the artwork will be held by end tab 34 in thevertical orientation.

[0030] Key holes 38 are formed in the side tabs 22 and 24 so that theframe 12 can be hung either horizontally or vertically from posts or thelike extending from the vertical surface, typically a wall. The keyholes 38 can be either punched out with a special dye, or drilled intothe tabs 22, 24 or 34 and spaced from one another so that the frame 10or 12 can be hung either horizontally or vertically. This allows themounting of the frame 10 or 12 to be less time consuming for the user asthe user can either display the frame 10 or 12 vertically orhorizontally without the addition of nails, tacks, or the need for toolsas the frame 10 or 12 can be secured to any screws or anchor boltsextending from the vertical wall.

[0031] In the event that the wall comprises a smooth surface, such asglass or marble, suction cups 40 can be attached to the frame 12,typically on either the side tabs 22 and 24 or end tab 34, forattachment directly to the smooth surface. The use of suction cups 40allows the frame 10 or 12 to be hung from any smooth and flat surface,such as marble, glass, mirrors, plastic, or the like which wouldcomprise windows, doors or walls in a home or office without damagingthe wall, door or window in any manner. In the event that the wallcomprises a transparent and smooth material, such as glass, the suctioncups 40 may also be attached to the front surface of the flat body sheet20 so that the artwork can be seen through the transparent wall andframe 10 or 12. Such key holes 38 and suction cups 40 can be implementedin any of the illustrated and described embodiments of this application.

[0032] As the frames 10 and 12 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 are comprised ofa single piece of plastic, without any joints or attached parts formingthe frame 10 and 12, the frame 10 and 12 is very cost effective comparedto a traditional frame which includes mounting glass, hardware and theassociated labor of constructing such frames. Once properly installedonto a vertical surface, there is created enough tension between theflat body 20 and the insert 30 to keep the insert from slipping withoutthe frame 10 or 12. As described above, in the event that the insert 30is extremely flimsy, a chip board or other thin sheet may be used tohold the insert 30 therein.

[0033] With reference now to FIGS. 4-6, another frame 14 embodying thepresent invention is shown. This frame 14 is comprised of a sheet ofplastic forming the flat body 20, and opposing edges, typically upperand lower edges 42 and 44 extending rearwardly of the flat sheet 20 soas to lie generally transverse with the generally planar plastic sheet20. Upper and lower elongated blocks 46 and 48 are attached to each ofthe tab edges 42 and 44 so as to create a narrow slot 50 and 52 at theupper and lower ends of the frame 14. The blocks 46 and 48 may beadhered to the tabbed edges 42 and 44, or extend therefrom as a singlepiece. Although this frame 14 may be hung from a vertical surface usingthe key holes 38 or suction cups 40 as described above, in aparticularly preferred form, the upper elongated block 46 includes anopen-faced groove 54 along the length of the lower edge thereof forreceipt of a wire or the like. It is not uncommon to have wires or thelike extending from the ceiling above the vertical surface so that thevertical surface is not scratched, marred, or otherwise damaged. Theframe 14 could be hung from such a wire by inserting the wire into thegroove 54 and allowing the frame 14 to hang therefrom.

[0034] The art work insert 30 could be installed and removed withouthaving to rehang the frame 14. In fact, in all of the illustratedembodiments, this has been found to be the case as once the frame 10-18is properly secured or otherwise hung from the vertical surface, thereis little or no need to remove the frame 10-18 in order to remove theprint or picture 30. As can be appreciated by the reader, this canpresent a tremendous amount of savings in labor when such inserts 30 arefrequently changed.

[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, yet another frame 16 embodying thepresent invention is shown. This frame 16 is very similar to thatillustrated in FIGS. 4-6, in that it includes the flat body plasticsheet 20, rearwardly directed tabs 42 and 44, and elongated blocks 46and 48. The insert 30 is retained within slots 50 and 52, as describedabove. However, with particular reference to FIG. 9, the upper elongatedblock 46 has a lower edge thereof configured to mate with a block 56which has been previously attached to the vertical surface 58. As can beappreciated by the reader, this allows the frame 16 to be easily mountedand removed from the vertical surface as the user must merely raise theupper block 46 over the fixed block 56 and rest the frame 16 thereon.The contacting edges of the blocks 46 and 56 can be configured such thatmovement is prevented in all but the upward direction. This would renderthe mounting of the frame 16 very stable during earthquakes and thelike.

[0036] With reference now to FIGS. 10-12, yet another frame 18 embodyingthe present invention is shown. This frame 18 includes opposing frontand back plastic flat body sheets 20 and 60 associated and separatedfrom one another by blocks 62 and 64. Typically, the upper and loweredges of each flat body plastic sheet 20 and 60 is adhered to opposingouter edges of the blocks 62 and 64. In this manner, a central slot 66is formed between the sheets of plastic 20 and 60. The slot 66, similarto those described above, is sized such so as to accept and retain aprint or sheet of artwork therein, with the provision of a chip board orthe like if necessary. Preferably, such slots are only of a sufficientwidth so as to hold the edges of the print or sheet of artwork thereinand prevent the print or artwork from sagging due to gravity. However,it is to be understood by the reader that the print or sheet of artworkis not necessarily pressed into place by the tabs or blocks forming theslots. The frame 18 illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 can be mounted to thevertical surface in a variety of methods, including those discussedabove, but is preferably connected to the vertical surface by use ofscrews inserted through apertures 68 extending through the opposingplastic sheets 20 and 60, as well as the upper elongated block 62.Likewise, a frame 18 can be hung upon protrusions, such as anchor boltsor the like previously inserted into the vertical surface.

[0037] Each of the flat bodies 20 of the above-described frames, 10-18is preferably comprised of a transparent sheet of plastic so as not todistract from the print or artwork placed therein. However, it should beunderstood by the reader that a tint or coloring can be applied to theplastic in order to give it an enhanced effect. Also, in some cases itmay be necessary to create a border in order to focus upon a centralportion of the artwork, or eliminate a border surrounding the artwork orprint itself. In this case, the flat body 20 can be provided with asurrounding border as is well known in the art.

[0038] The frames 10-18 of the present invention are simple in designand can be used in traditional, modern, conservative, classical, and/orindustrial manner as an alternative to glass. The frame 10-18 is almostinvisible to the eye due to its shape and transparency. No tools orother hardware is necessary to properly install the frames 10-18 onto avertical surface. The frames 10-18 are generally more safe than priorframes as they will remain mounted on the wall indefinitely onceproperly installed. The sheet of plastic provides a glare-free,abrasion/chemical resistant, long lasting, UV filtering and outstandingoptical quality viewing surface.

[0039] Although several embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed in detail for purposes of illustration, various modificationsof each may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as bythe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A frame for mounting a print or picture on avertical surface, comprising: a single quadrilateral and transparentsheet of plastic, including: a flat body; opposing side tabs extendingfrom the flat body and directed inwardly so as to lie generally parallelwith the flat body opposite a rear surface thereof, the side tabscooperatively with the flat body forming slots configured to receive andretain a print or picture inserted therein through an open end of theframe; and means for retaining the frame on a vertical surface.
 2. Theframe of claim 1, including an end tab extending from the flat body anddirected inwardly so as to lie generally parallel with the flat bodyopposite a rear surface thereof, the end tab cooperatively with the flatbody forming a slot which, in conjunction with the side tab slots,receives and retains a print or picture inserted therein.
 3. The frameof claim 1, wherein the retaining means comprises keyholes cut into thetabs.
 4. The frame of claim 1, wherein the retaining means comprisessuction cups attached to the sheet of plastic.
 5. The frame of claim 1,wherein the retaining means comprises screws extending through aperturesof the sheet of plastic and into the vertical surface.
 6. A frame formounting a print or picture on a vertical surface, comprising: aquadrilateral and transparent sheet of plastic having tabs extendingfrom opposing edges of the plastic sheet and bent inward so that thetabs lie generally transverse with the plastic sheet; upper and lowerelongated blocks attached to each of the tabs so as to form a slotbetween the plastic sheet and the blocks, the slot being configured toaccept and retain a print or sheet of artwork therein; and means forhanging the frame on a vertical surface.
 7. The frame of claim 6,wherein the hanging means includes screws inserted through apertures ofthe plastic sheet and block and into the vertical surface.
 8. The frameof claim 6, wherein the hanging means includes a notch formed in theupper block for receipt of a wire extending from the vertical surface.9. The frame of claim 6, wherein the hanging means includes a blockattached to the vertical surface and configured to hold the upper blockthereon.
 10. A frame for mounting a print or picture on a verticalsurface, comprising: a first quadrilateral and transparent sheet ofplastic; upper and lower elongated blocks attached to a rear surface ofthe sheet of plastic at upper and lower edges thereof; a secondquadrilateral and transparent sheet of plastic attached to the upper andlower elongated blocks so as to form a slot between the first and secondplastic sheets, the slot being configured to accept and retain a printor sheet of artwork therein; and apertures extending through the firstand second sheets of plastic and upper elongated block for the insertionof screws into the vertical surface.